Many people suffer from hemorrhoids, but they become really problematic when they become very swollen, itchy or painful, and bleed.
Those who spend more time on the toilet are prone to hemorrhoids PHOTO: Archive
If you have never had hemorrhoids, you are very lucky. If you have, you are all too familiar with the extreme discomfort this particular digestive condition causes.
Characterized by pain, itching, irritation and sometimes bleeding in the anal region, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. And nobody wants to deal with them.
If you like to sit down with a good book or scroll on TikTok when you get to the toilet, we have news for you: This sacred time can make you more prone to hemorrhoids, writes huffpost.com.
“Hemorrhoids are congested blood vessels in the lower part of the rectum and anus. Although everyone has these blood vessels, they only become symptomatic when they become enlarged or inflamed, which can occur due to a number of factors.”
Dr. David L Schwarzbaum, a gastroenterologist, told HuffPost. “A common cause is due to sitting on the toilet for a long time. This is because when one’s bottom is in the space of the toilet seat, blood will pool at the lowest point and cause increased pressure in the blood vessels in the anus, leading to hemorrhoids.”
Dr. Prasun Shah, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Hermann, added that when you sit for too long, gravity works against you, leading to poor circulation.
“Sitting for a long time can affect blood flow to and from the rectal area, causing blood to pool in the veins and cause them to swellhe said.
While prolonged sitting can cause hemorrhoids, too much straining during a bowel movement can, too—so this isn’t an ideal way to try to cut down on the time you spend on the toilet.
“Trying to ‘push’ a bowel movement also increases the pressure in the anorectal blood vessels and is another common cause of hemorrhoids,” Schwarzbaum said. “I often advise my patients that when they feel the need to defecate, they should go to the toilet, avoid straining, and if they cannot relieve themselves at that time, then get up and try again at a later time, then when they need it again.”
What is the ideal time to sit on the toilet?
“In general, I would recommend trying to limit stools to no more than 10-15 minutes to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids,” Schwarzbaum said. “I also advise them to avoid scrolling on their phones or reading for extended periods on the toilet. If you need a break from the rest of the world, sit on top of the toilet seat.”
Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids
If you think “Wait a minute, I don’t sit on the toilet for long periods of time and still have hemorrhoids”do not worry – the habit of sitting for a long time is not the only cause of hemorrhoids.
“The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-fiber diet, exercise, and avoid excessive straining while sitting. This includes during pregnancy, a leading cause of hemorrhoids,” said Dr. George Pavlou, gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey.
Schwarzbaum echoed this claim, noting that preventing constipation is also key to preventing hemorrhoids.
“This starts with a healthy diet and, most importantly, 25-30 grams of fiber per day and adequate hydration,” he said. “If this is not enough, stool softeners or laxatives may need to be used. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet and regular exercise have also been shown to prevent hemorrhoids.”
Shah also suggested not delaying bowel movements if possible.
“Holding it in can make the stool drier and harder to pass,” he said. “You should also strive to keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation. Use wet wipes or water instead of dry toilet paper if needed. When sitting on the toilet, use a footstool to raise your feet slightly. This can help achieve a more natural squatting position, making it easier to pass the chair without effort.”
Hemorrhoids are no fun, and in some cases, they’re simply unavoidable (ask anyone who’s ever been pregnant). But with the right lifestyle changes and a little less time spent on the toilet scrolling through Instagram stories, it’s possible to make them appear less often.
If you are experiencing a hemorrhoid or have chronic hemorrhoids, be sure to talk to your doctor so they can help you find the root cause and provide you with a treatment and prevention plan that is right for you.
